Ed Anderson's 'Tee to Green': Leckinger earns Butte Creek Player of the Year title

Bob Leckinger just barely edged out Ron Coleman to win Butte Creek CC's inaugural Player of the Year title. Points are earned throughout the year, on the basis of net scores, in various designated tournaments. Leckinger ended up with a total of 46.5 points. Coleman finished with 45.75 points.

Coleman did win the end of the year point tournament, which was worth double points, with a net score of 65, but it was not quite enough to overcome the lead Leckinger had going into the final tournament.

Shawn Blofsky finished in third place with 38 points. Jim Sands (30.75 points) took the fourth spot. Mark Blofsky and Tim Beach tied for fifth place with 25 points each. The course conditions must have been good, because half the field of 18 players shot net par or better. Only the top 18 players, of those who participated in the player of the year events, qualified for the final and deciding tournament.

Butte Creek CC Women's Golf Club

The Butte Creek CC Women's Golf Club held its annual Christmas awards brunch on Friday (Dec. 7, a day that will live in infamy.) Shirley Leighty was named the 2012 most improved player. Leighty put in a lot of hard work to lower her handicap by two strokes during the season. Others garnering the most Medallion awards and recognition during the presentation were also recognized. Average of best net scores for three out of the six Medallion tournaments, 1, Karla Dreiss (72); 2, tie, Irma Jenkins and Paula Sands (75); 4, Joye Smith (76); 5, Susy Mann (77); Most chip-ins, 1, Lois Wescoatt (5); 2, tie, Marge Regier, Darlene Thomasson and Smith (4); Most birdies, 1, Karla Dreiss (11); 2, Barbara Joronen (10); 3, Pat Stephenson (8).

The Butte Creek Women's Golf Club played a 6-6-6 format for its weekly tournament. The team of Pat Stephenson, Karen Beckman and Darlene Thomasson took first with a team score of 93. The team of Sherian Hornbeak, Shirley Leighty and a blind draw finished in the second spot at 97. Jane Brooks, Barbara Joronen and Linda Scarff teamed up to finish third with a score of 100.

Spectacular shots

Larry Stephenson chalked up his third career ace on the No. 12 hole at Butte Creek CC. Stephenson's 169-yard, 9-iron perfect tee shot was witnessed by his playing companion, Rich Taylor.

Willie Storan hit his 125-yard approach shot into the cup on the par-5 No. 13 hole at Butte Creek. His playing companions, Chuck Lohse, Jerry Louie and Rick Shave, were witness to Storan's eagle three.

Amazing feat

Just when you think you've heard it all, here's one for you to ponder. Ron Chrisco (of the famous Chico High School class of '54) played the nine-hole Sierra Sage GC near Sparks, Nev., recently and only had eight putts during the nine-hole round. Chrisco chipped in on two holes, one-putted six holes and two-putted one hole. I would have only played nine holes myself. No sense spoiling a good thing.

Ed Anderson's local golf column appears Tuesdays. He can be reached by writing to P.O. Box 839, Chico, CA 95927, or by emailing to edandersn@sbcglobal.net.